- - -August 7, 2015"As the Ontario Regional Chief I am issuing a call to all Federal Parties to target 0% Boil Water Advisory on all First Nations within 5yrs." Isadore Day on Twitter.

ONTARIO REGIONAL CHIEF ISADORE DAY SAYS CANDIDATES MUST LISTEN TO FIRST NATION PRIORITIESTORONTO, ON (August 3, 2015) --- Ontario Regional Chief Isadore Day says that the 2015 General Election must result in a better future for First Nation youth.

“This year, the election must bring about the change that First Nations need to bring a better future for the youth. The changes must be in line with our Treaties so we can end the cycle of poverty and begin to peacefully co-exist with Canada,” said Regional Chief Day. “I urge all parties to listen closely to First Nations and to ensure that the commitments and policies they present respect our rights and Treaties.”

The 2015 General Election officially began yesterday. First Nations have continually called on all parties to commit to achieving equity between First Nations and non-First Nations communities.

“Canada must immediately change the way it works with First Nations,” said Chief Sara Mainville, Couchiching First Nation. “We will not allow one more lost generation. The next government must commit to do much better for our youth.”

First Nations youth are one of the fastest growing segments of the Canadian population. However, over half of all First Nations youth live in poverty.

“When Canadians go to the polls, they must remember that Canada is only as strong as its relationship with First Nations peoples. Canada was founded on that Treaty relationship, and when it fails, we all fail,” said Regional Chief Day.

The 42nd Canada General Election is scheduled for October 19, 2015. - - -

Real Change: Restoring fairness to Canada’s relationship with Aboriginal PeoplesJustin Trudeau's remarks at the Assembly of First Nations 36th Annual General Assembly on Tuesday, July 7, 2015.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAbRvQRd_PE

"An initial, immediate new investment of $515 million per year in core annual funding for kindergarten through grade 12 education for First Nations. This will rise to over $750 million per year by the end of our ﬁrst mandate. It includes not only the funding promised and never delivered by Stephen Harper, but an additional $325 million annually."

EXPANDING FIRST NATIONS EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE

"We will also invest $500 million over the next three years for immediate First Nations education infrastructure. This funding is incremental to existing education infrastructure commitments already made to First Nations.

Unlike Stephen Harper, we will never act unilaterally on First Nations education. We believe in First Nations control of First Nations education, with the federal government working nation-to-nation as a partner to ensure the goals set by First Nations are achieved. We will also support First Nation-led initiatives with respect to jurisdiction over education."

NEW INVESTMENTS IN POST-SECONDARY FUNDING FOR INDIGENOUS STUDENTS

"We will invest $50 million in additional annual support to the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP), providing additional ﬁnancial assistance to Indigenous students attending post-secondary education. We will also work closely with Indigenous leaders and communities, provinces, and territories to engage Indigenous high school students so that they are aware of the available post-secondary ﬁnancial support and tools."

August 13, 2015

AFN National Chief Says Liberal Party Announcement on First Nations Education a Positive Start and Must Spark Commitments from All Parties

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said today’s announcement by Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, on First Nations education sets out a substantive plan for action.

National Chief Bellegarde stated: “New and significant investments in education are essential to closing the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and other Canadians. This plan would have an immediate impact and help close that gap by investing in our students and our schools. This is a positive start towards supporting First Nations control of First Nations education. We look forward to more dialogue about our priorities. All the parties need to step up and make clear commitments to First Nations.”

Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau announced today in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan that a Liberal government will commit to new investments in elementary and secondary education and new school construction as well as lifting the 2% cap on essential government services for First Nations. Mr. Trudeau also announced commitments to curriculum development on Aboriginal and Treaty rights, Indian Residential Schools and the contributions of Indigenous Peoples to Canada and new investments to promote, preserve and advance First Nations languages and culture. The Liberal leader also said his party will never act unilaterally and instead will engage in a renewed, respectful, and inclusive nation-to-nation process. The new investments identified total more than $3.2 billion over 4 years. The Liberal leader also said his party will engage in First Nations-led initiatives on jurisdiction over education.

The National Chief noted the Liberal leader’s commitment to “re-engage in a renewed, respectful, and inclusive nation-to-nation Kelowna process to advance progress on the issues First Nations have prioritized”, including housing, infrastructure, health, child welfare and community safety and policing.

“The commitment to working with First Nations as partners on a Nation-to-Nation basis is an essential element of the new relationship that Canada and First Nations must put in place. Similar commitments from all federal parties are imperative to closing the gap,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “That’s the approach we need to work with Canada on a comprehensive plan for closing the gap and building a stronger Canada for all of us.”

The National Chief said that the AFN will be analyzing the details of the announcement and that the AFN will issue a comprehensive analysis and assessment of all federal party commitments to First Nations later in the campaign. The National Chief stated that the Assembly of First Nations will be releasing its Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada in the coming weeks and will be seeking a public response from all parties.

The Assembly of First Nation is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow #AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said today’s announcement by Leader of the New Democratic Party Thomas Mulcair makes strides to address violence against Indigenous women and girls in Canada.

“The NDP Leader’s commitments are consistent with the calls by First Nations leaders and families to protect, respect and support First Nations women and girls,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “This plan commits to immediate action and will address the root causes of violence. This is consistent with First Nations efforts to date to address and end violence against Indigenous women and girls. Safety and security for our sisters, daughters, mothers and all First Nations is our priority and it must be a priority for the next federal government.”

The NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair made the announcement this morning in Saskatoon. The announcement included $10M per year over the next four years for the Shelter Enhancement Program and an additional $5M for prevention after year four. A NDP government would call an inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women within the first 100 days in office; invest in affordable housing and homelessness programs to create and maintain affordable housing; and work with women’s groups and Indigenous organizations to establish a comprehensive national action plan to end violence against women and girls, with dedicated funding and benchmarks.

“The proposed plan seems to set out immediate and concrete action to address violence against Indigenous women and girls, and immediate and concrete action is exactly what we need,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “The NDP is already on record for supporting the call for a national inquiry and I’m pleased to see new commitments to work together with First Nations and women’s groups on a comprehensive national action plan. Additional investments in affordable housing and homelessness programs and support for shelters are welcome and necessary. However, we have to see action for people in our communities and we will continue to press for investments and support for First Nation shelters on reserve.”

The AFN will be analyzing the details of all announcements made during the federal election period and will share a comprehensive analysis and assessment to First Nations prior to October 19.

National Chief Bellegarde will be presenting priorities for the federal election at a national press conference Wednesday.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde Presents Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada to Close the Gap

(Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today presented priorities for the upcoming federal election that will close the gap in quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians.

“First Nations priorities are Canada’s priorities and must be part of the federal election campaign,” said National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “We can close the gap and today we’re putting forward specific commitments we want to see from all federal parties. This is about changing the relationship between First Nations and Canada to one of full collaboration. This is about investing in a better life for First Nations, our families and our children. This is about building a stronger country for all of us. When the gap closes, Canada wins.”

Today the AFN released Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada. The document sets out action items and a vision for change through themes of Strengthening First Nations, Families and Communities; Sharing and Equitable Funding; Upholding Rights; Respecting the Environment; Revitalizing Indigenous Languages; and Truth and Reconciliation. National Chief Perry Bellegarde is seeking specific responses to the plan from all federal parties.

“Our plan is practical, implementable and will set Canada on a course of reconciliation, progress and prosperity,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “Our plan points the way to real change. This is a pivotal time as Canadians are poised for an era of reconciliation. We can work together with the next federal government to close the gap through dedicated, strategic investments and action. We are seeking partners to build stronger First Nations and a stronger Canada.”

The gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians is evident in statistics showing that half of First Nations children live in poverty, life expectancy for First Nations citizens is five to seven years less than other Canadians, more than 40,000 Aboriginal children and youth are in foster care, 132 First Nation communities under boil water advisories and the more than 1200 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Closing the gap would create a more fair and just Canada and would add billions to the country’s economy.

The AFN continues to stand up for First Nations collective rights and ensure all federal parties understand that First Nations priorities are Canada’s priorities and must be addressed.

The AFN National Chief caused quite a stir when he revealed he hasn't voted in federal elections, but encouraged others to vote. Now, because of pressure, he has changed his mind, and for the first time, will vote.- - -

September 9, 2015

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Perry Bellegarde Statement Regarding Ongoing Dialogue on First Nations Voting in Federal Election

(Ottawa, ON): Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde released the following statement today:

“As National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations and a First Nations leader who has held elected office for 26 years, I believe that being non-partisan is essential. I honour and trust the wisdom of many First Nations Knowledge Keepers, Chiefs and leaders who have told me in the past that, as a leader, it is essential to be non-partisan. As Indigenous peoples, our relationship is with the Crown, rather than one political party. And I must work with the entire Crown. This is why I have not voted in federal elections. I have been encouraging First Nations people to vote because our people and priorities matter and we can be an important factor in this election.

Last week, I listened to First Nations Elders, leaders, citizens and young people from across our territories. The message to me is consistent and clear: “It is vital that First Nations voices be heard in every way possible, including through the ballot box. You need to be an example. You need to vote.” I have reassessed my longstanding practice and will vote on October 19th to reinforce my message that First Nations priorities must be Canada’s priorities and that we must close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians. Our future is Canada’s future and we can build a stronger country together.

On October 19th, I will vote in this federal election in support of a government committed to closing the gap between First Nations people and Canadians. I continue to encourage all First Nations people to vote.”

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

"Partner with First Nations for truly responsible resource developmentin the long-term public interest"

"BUILD STRONG FIRST NATIONS AND INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

"We need to move to implement the findings of theTruth and Reconciliation Commission. The pathto justice, healing and reconciliation begins withaccepting a painful truth: the horrors of the residentialschool system constituted a policy of culturalgenocide. There is no way to undo the damagenor to compensate for the grief and loss of manygenerations of children and families. The truth is hardto absorb, but absorb it we must.

True reconciliation will take time, and while we workto build a new, nation-to-nation partnership based onmutual respect and understanding, there are urgentand important steps that must be taken by the federalgovernment to put the relationship on firmer footing.We begin by recognizing indigenous rights and title,and will negotiate in good faith to settle land claims,establish treaties and self-government arrangements,and move to repeal the Indian Act should that be theconsensus of First Nations. We will respect the rightsof First Nations to take leadership of developmentprojects on their traditional territories."

"Creating opportunity for indigenous communitiesand their people means ensuring access to qualitypublic services for all First Nations, Metis and Inuit.It requires adequate funding for housing, education,and health care, both on and off reserves. We willwork to expand rural health care infrastructure byinvesting in telehealth and mobile medical units,to ensure indigenous communities have access tocritical care.

The ongoing crisis of missing and murderedindigenous women must be urgently addressed. Wewill launch a national inquiry and fight to ensure thatstructural violence against indigenous communitiesis addressed.

We also recognize the critical importance ofdefending languages and cultures, and will providenew federal funding for culturally appropriateeducation in traditional languages."

September 10, 2015

AFN National Chief Says Green Party Platform Speaks to a Number of First Nations Priorities

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said the Green Party platform released on September 9 by Party Leader Elizabeth May addresses a number of First Nation priorities set out in the AFN’s Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada.http://www.greenparty.ca/en/platform“The Green Party platform is consistent with the call for First Nations to be part of the decision-making process in this country,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “Our priority is closing the gap between First Nations people and Canadians and that means working together on a comprehensive and coordinated plan for action. The Green Party plan for a Council of Canadian Governments would respect First Nations jurisdiction to drive solutions based on the priorities of our people and our communities.”

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May released the platform in Vancouver September 9. The plan outlines a number of commitments related to First Nations, including a commitment to remove the two per cent annual cap on funding and to call a National Inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women. Other highlights include the intent to partner with First Nations for responsible resource development, good faith negotiations to settle land claims, establish Treaties and self-government arrangements and to repeal the Indian Act if First Nations provide consensus. The platform also includes a housing strategy, $800 million for basic infrastructure on reserve and new federal funding for culturally appropriate education in traditional languages.

“A new federal government must commit to immediate action and engage with First Nations on long-term plans based on a true nation-to-nation relationship, mutual respect and understanding. A new federal government must work with First Nations to close the gap,” said National Chief Bellegarde.

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Calls on All Party Leaders to Participate in English-language Consortium Debate

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde is adding his voice to the call for federal party leaders to participate in the English-language Consortium Debate originally scheduled for October 8. Conservative Leader Stephen Harper has indicated he will not participate and NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair has said his presence is contingent on the Conservative leader being there.

“This debate is a key opportunity for the party leaders to explain how their government would work to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations and Canada,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “We need a full discussion on First Nations priorities because our priorities are Canada’s priorities. We will be watching the French-language debate tonight and we call on the party leaders to take part in the English-language debate next week. First Nations people and all Canadians deserve to hear where the party leaders stand on the issues that affect all of us.”

The AFN is convening an Open Forum on First Nations and the 2015 Federal Election on October 7, 2015 at the Edmonton Marriott at River Cree Resort in Enoch, Alberta. There will be discussions on First Nations priorities, regional approaches and activities on voting and maintaining momentum throughout the election and beyond. Federal party leaders have been invited to the Open Forum to engage with First Nations.

On September 2nd National Chief Bellegarde released Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada. The document sets out action items and a vision for change across the themes of Strengthening First Nations, Families and Communities; Sharing and Equitable Funding; Upholding Rights; Respecting the Environment; Revitalizing Indigenous Languages; and Truth and Reconciliation.

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

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- - -September 17, 2015

Assembly of First Nations National Chief Says the Federal Party Leaders Debate Mostly Ignores First Nations Economic Issues

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said that tonight’s federal political party leaders debate on the economy was a clear opportunity for all leaders to explain their vision and plans for including First Nations in the economy and close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians. Unfortunately, First Nations were largely unaddressed and the economic crisis across Canada in First Nations communities was ignored apart from Mr. Trudeau's effort to raise First Nations economic issues.

“Keeping Canada’s economy strong and competitive means action on First Nations priorities,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “Canada’s economic future demands that we work on First Nations land issues, resource issues, Treaties, First Nations rights and strong First Nations peoples and communities. Our citizens are getting organized and they’ll be voting in this next election. I am calling on all federal leaders to tell us where they stand on our issues because our people matter, our priorities matter and our votes matter.”

The leaders of the three federal parties participated this evening in a debate on the economy organized by the Globe and Mail, assessing their plans on everything from energy and housing to taxation and jobs. First Nations issues, besides a mention by Mr. Trudeau, did not form any substantial part of the debate and was a lost opportunity to enhance First Nations priorities. On September 2, National Chief Bellegarde released Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada setting out a plan and vision for change that would strengthen First Nations and Canada. The National Chief stated that closing the gap will add $400 Billion to the country’s economy, and save $115 Billion in social spending. The National Chief will be calling on all party leaders to provide a full and clear response to the plan.

“Closing the gap builds a stronger Canada for all of us,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “Canadians are waking up to the fact that the current approach needs to change. The parties need to show leadership. We have raised our priorities and released our Closing the Gap agenda and we need some clear commitments by all federal parties.”

(Enoch Cree Nation, AB) – The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) convened an Open Forum on First Nations and the 2015 Federal Election today in Enoch Cree Nation, Alberta, gathering hundreds of First Nation leaders and citizens to discuss priorities, inform voters and mobilize the vote. New Democratic Party Leader Tom Mulcair and representatives from the Liberal Party of Canada and the Green Party addressed participants.

“First Nations priorities are Canada’s priorities and must be addressed in this federal election campaign,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde in Enoch Cree Nation near Edmonton today. “We are holding this Forum to pressure all parties to set out their vision and their commitments to First Nations and to engage with us in real dialogue. We are telling every party leader and every MP now and in the future that they must listen to our voices and work with us to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians because our people matter, our priorities matter and our votes matter. The human and economic costs to maintaining the gap that exists between our peoples and the rest of Canada are detrimental to all of us. Investments must be made now. When First Nations win, we all win.”

NDP leader Tom Mulcair launched the NDP Indigenous platform at the Forum, committing to a Nation-to-Nation relationship with First Nations, implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and action and investments to address the national crisis of murdered and missing Indigenous women, education, infrastructure, housing, and Indigenous languages.

“The NDP Indigenous platform addresses many of the key commitments in the AFN’s Closing the Gap document that sets out our priorities for this election,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “We will do a more thorough analysis but the NDP Indigenous platform is comprehensive and commits to immediate and ongoing engagement between First Nations and the government at the highest levels to ensure we can set a strategic approach for progress and closing the gap.”

The full day Open Forum featured presentations on party platforms and commitments from the NDP, Liberal Party candidate Dr. Carolyn Bennett and Green Party candidate Brenda Sayers. All representatives spoke to their party’s approach to First Nations priorities and took questions to engage directly with First Nations participants.

National Chief Bellegarde and members of the AFN Executive Committee, including Elders, women and youth representatives were in attendance at today’s Open Forum. Topics of discussion included specifics on identification requirements for voting and maintaining momentum to address priorities leading up to and after the election October 19.

On September 2nd National Chief Bellegarde released Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada that sets out action items and a vision for change through themes of Strengthening First Nations, Families and Communities; Sharing and Equitable Funding; Upholding Rights; Respecting the Environment; Revitalizing Indigenous Languages; and Truth and Reconciliation. For more information on First Nations priorities for the federal election and on closing the gap visit: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/closing-the-gap.pdf

The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

(Enoch Cree Nation, AB) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde said the New Democratic Party’s Indigenous platform, “Our Commitment to Indigenous Communities”, released yesterday by leader Thomas Mulcair at the AFN’s Open Forum on First Nations and the 2015 Federal Election addresses a number of First Nation priorities set out in the AFN’s Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada.

“The NDP platform is a comprehensive response to our Closing the Gap agenda,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “It addresses many of our key priorities and commits to high level engagement to work together to close the gap. There are high human and economic costs to all of us in maintaining the gap. The nation-to-nation approach is the way forward and it must be put into action. I thank the NDP leader for participating in our Open Forum and engaging directly with First Nations.”

The NDP Indigenous platform outlines commitments related to First Nations, including a commitment to establish an ongoing Nation-to-Nation relationship through a cabinet-level committee, taking action on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and calling a National Inquiry on missing and murdered Indigenous women within the first 100 days of a new government. Other highlights include closing the education gap by investing $4.8 billion over eight years in First Nations education; strengthening First Nations communities by revitalizing First Nations languages with a new investment of $68 million over four years; implementing Jordan’s Principle; improving critical infrastructure in First Nations communities including housing, schools, and clean water and sanitation facilities with $375 million of new investment over four years and $2.7 billion over four years in affordable housing. The plan commits to working with First Nations to develop a plan to close the gap in health outcomes, and ensure quality and accessible health services for all First Nations communities.

“We hold up all federal parties and party leaders that truly listen to First Nations and reflect our concerns,” said AFN National Chief Bellegarde. “We put out our Closing the Gap document so that our priorities were clear and to press the parties to respond. First Nations priorities are Canada’s priorities and I am pleased that yet another party is responding to our agenda.”

The National Chief stated that the AFN will be releasing a summary of all platforms and commitments to First Nations in advance of the Election on October 19, 2015. For more information on First Nation priorities for the upcoming federal election and on Closing the Gap in quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians please visit: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/closing-the-gap.pdf

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

Ottawa. With just days before Canada decides who will form the next government, the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada is releasing this statement as it believes that health is a critical election issue that requires attention by all Federal parties. Furthermore, Aboriginal health continues to curtail any promises of improved Canadian-Aboriginal relations, as initiatives continue to be subject to discretionary funding approaches that see programs allocated for, yet departments do not fully spend these commitments.

The Royal Commission on Aboriginal People in 1996 called for 9000 Aboriginal health workers. Today, we have close to that number in just Aboriginal Nurses; not to mention the numbers of Aboriginal physicians, therapists, para-professionals, etc. So the primary question remains: Why are we not seeing improved health outcomes for Inuit, Metis and First Nations people?

To answer this question, the Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada believes that in large part, it is the bureaucratic system that is failing. To this end, Aboriginal Nurses call on all federal parties to truly commit to sustained changes and to answer these questions:

1) There is currently a complication of policies and legislations between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments regarding who is responsible for inefficient health access regarding Aboriginals. How will you work to ensure all three levels of governments collaborate to fix the policies and improve Aboriginal people’s access to health services?

2) The federal budget over the years has been allocating an uneven financial distribution between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal health institutions. What will you do to review these policies and what will you do to make the funding gap more improved?3) The Aboriginal population is still presented with many environmental issues to this day. What kind of policies and strategies are you willing to enforce to improve environmental conditions and clean up toxins and potential oil spills that are negatively affecting rural areas where many Aboriginal people reside?

4) Recent information shows there are still problems with nurse practitioners in northern and remote nursing stations that are put in place to provide Aboriginal health care. However, many of these nurses are not fully trained, and some stations themselves lack the appropriate resources to operate. How are you going to approach this problem to improve the health services for the Aboriginal people in northern and remote communities?

5) Because of the past destruction of Aboriginal socio-cultural, economic and family values, a large proportion of the Aboriginal population are struggling with serious key issues of poverty, mental health issues, social exclusion, an unequal access to e ducation and medical services. What will you do to act on findings from the Truth and Reconcilia tion Commission to support Aboriginal people to overcome many of these issues that are longstanding?

6) Many First Nations communities continue to live under boil orders for their drinking water or must rely on water to be brought in. What immediate concrete steps would you take to address safe drinking water for Aboriginal communities living in these types of situations?

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Contact: Aboriginal Nurses Association of Canada

50 Driveway

Ottawa ON K2P 1E2

Ph: 613-724-4677 http://www.anac.on.caBackground Research: (conducted by Vlad Hordyeyev, International Development andGlobalization studies, University of Ottawa)

-First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples continue to show a disproportionate burden of disease or health disparities. These disparities are often rooted in health inequities.

-Health disparities are directly and indirectly associated with or related to social, economic, cultural and political inequities; the end result of which is a disproportionate burden of ill health and social suffering on the Aboriginal populations of Canada.

-Social, economic, cultural and political inequities that impact the health of individuals and communities are often referred to as social determinants of health.

-Census data and other research show a persistent gap in socioeconomic status and well -being between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people in Canada.

-Fewer Aboriginal people between the ages of 25 and 34 obtained high school diplomas (68.1%)than non-Aboriginal people (90.0%).

-Median income for Aboriginal people was almost $10,000 lower ($16,752) than for non - Aboriginal people ($25,955).

-The unemployment rate for Aboriginal people in 2006 was still more than twice that for non - Aboriginal people (13.0% compared to 5.2%)

-Aboriginal people were three times as likely as non-Aboriginal people to live in houses in need of major repair.

-Indigenous peoples are affected by major health problems at rates much higher than non - Indigenous populations.

-Aboriginal youth are also over represented among criminalized young people and are jailed at earlier ages and for longer periods of time than non-Aboriginal young people.

-Higher rate of incarceration for Aboriginal people has been linked to systemic discrimination and attitudes based on racial or cultural prejudice, as well as economic and social deprivation, substance abuse and a cycle of violence across generations.

-A common history of colonialism and resulting economic, social and cultural marginalization has had profound health impacts on Indigenous peoples.

-Many Aboriginal people in Canada have suffered the loss of connections to their land, cultures, languages and traditional ways of life through colonial practices such as forced relocations, the Indian reservation system and the residential schooling system, which removed several generations of children from their families and communities. In this context, the revitalization and recovery of Aboriginal cultures, traditions and ways of knowing can have profound restorative impacts on health and well-being at both the individual and the community levels.

-Colonialism accounts for many bitter, demoralizing legacies, the most pervasive of which is education. The root of this particular legacy is that ultimate national experiment in assimilation. The Indian Residential School system. According to Statics Canada's 2011 Aboriginal Survey,22.8% of Aboriginal Peoples had completed high school and post -secondary education.

-Racism and social exclusion have been a reality for Aboriginal peoples since first contact with British colonizers. The colonial system created social stratification along ethnic lines, with a consequent hierarchical distribution of resources, power, freedom and control, all of which ultimately influenced Aboriginal health.

-Aboriginal health policy in Canada is made up of a complicated “patchwork” of policies,legislation and agreements that delegate responsibility between federal, provincial, municipaland Aboriginal governments in different ways in different parts of the country. Although in some cases, the administration of Aboriginal health services is adequate, in other cases the gaps and ambiguities created by a complicated policy. Environment and jurisdictional confusions have created barriers to equitable access to health care and services.

-Health care services to Aboriginal people in Canada is in a constant state of flux.

-In the absence of a clear national Aboriginal health policy, jurisdictional gaps and inconsistent levels of funding continue to create barriers for many Aboriginal communities.

-In order to realize the benefits of an advanced system of health care, Canadian individuals must have physical, political and social access to those services; this is often not the case for Aboriginal peoples.

-Social access to health care is similarly limited or denied to Aboriginal peoples through health systems that account for neither culture nor language, or the social and economic determinants of Aboriginal peoples’ health.

-Aboriginals are limited by needed services not being covered or approved by the federal Non - Insured Health Benefit plan and by doctors or nurses not being available in their area. Feeling that the health care provided was inadequate or not culturally appropriate were also barriers that were frequently mentioned. The fact that many First Nation adults live in rural and more isolated communities, and at very low levels of income, led to a number of economic barriers toaccessing health care.

-Adequate education, which in many ways continues to be denied to Aboriginal peoples, has a profound impact on income, employment and living conditions.

-Aboriginal populations in Canada face many urgent health issues. Aboriginal people are over - represented in HIV infection rates.

-They also experience disproportionate rates of tuberculosis at 26.4 times the rate of Canadian - born non-Aboriginal people.

-Type 2 diabetes is now considered to have reached “epidemic” levels in First Nationscommunities, where adults are four times as likely to suffer from Type 2 diabetes and are morelikely to experience health complications related to the disease than are non AboriginalCanadians.-The suicide rate among Inuit communities in Arctic Canada is ten times that of the generalCanadian population.

-Violence against Aboriginal women is also considered to have reached epidemic proportions in many parts of the country, with Aboriginal women 3.5 times more likely to experience violence than other Canadian women.

-As of 2010, the Native Women’s Association of Canada had document ed 582 cases of missing or murdered Aboriginal women.

-Aboriginal peoples in Canada are also disproportionately affected by environmental contamination, particularly in Arctic regions where the traditional food sources of Inuit populations have accumulated environmental toxins, leading to a variety of health problems.

-Survey of the health of Aboriginal Canadians by an Aboriginality controlled organization (NAHO) found that 32% of Aboriginal Canadians participating rated their water supply as unsafe, 24.6% reported overcrowded living conditions ( vs. 1% of the general population)and32.9% were living in housing requiring major repairs.

-Aboriginal Canadians have a higher incidence of such infectious diseases as gastroenteritis, tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, rheumatic fever, respiratory problems, STIs, and infectious hepatitis, many of which are preventable.

-Chronic diseases are also becoming an increasing problem with an epidemic of diabetes(3-4 times the national average), obesity (up to 90 -95% of people over the age of 50 in some studies), metabolic syndrome and the subsequent cardiovascular(2 -3 times higher) and renalcomplications of these diseases hitting many aboriginal people and communities withdevastating results.

-Rates of suicide overall are about twice the national average, but in the younger age groups they are much higher.

-Both suicide and other unintentional injuries have at least some relationship to substance abuse, which is also an issue that is more prevalent in the aboriginal population .

-First Nations people and Inuit face some serious health-related challenges, such as high rates of chronic and contagious diseases and shorter life expectancy.

-Compared to the general Canadian population,

o Heart disease is 1.5 times higher;o Type 2 diabetes is 3 to 5 times higher among First Nations people and rates are increasingamong the Inuit; ando Tuberculosis infection rates are 8 to 10 times higher.

-Aboriginal people remain at higher risk for illness and earlier death non -Aboriginal people. Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are on the increase. There are definite links between income, social factors and health. There is a higher rate of respiratory problems and other infectious diseases among Aboriginal children than among non -Aboriginal children - inadequate housing and crowded living conditions are contributing factors.

-Children in Aboriginal families also have high rates of unintentional injuries and early deaths from drowning and other causes. According to Health Canada statistics, Aboriginal children are three to four times more likely to die from unintentional injury than non-Aboriginal children of the same age.

-Suicide rates are five to seven times higher for First Nations yout h than for non-Aboriginal youth.

-Physical environments such as crowded housing conditions have been associated with stress in all three age groups.-These conditions can also indirectly contribute to substance overuse and parenting difficulties, which may result in poor school performance among youth and children. This particular interaction of life-stage health issues begins with a social determinant, which contributes to the creation of an environment for youth and child development.-Physical environments that are largely detrimental to health have been imposed through historic dispossession of traditional territories as well as current reserve or settlement structures.

-Aboriginal peoples living in remote rural and reserve communities face considerable food insecurity related to challenges acquiring both market and traditional foods. The cost of transporting market foods to remote communities means that healthy, nutritious food is not affordable to most families.

-With respect to poverty specifically, the most widely discussed impact of poverty is a lack of access to material resources, such as nutrient dense food, which leads to high rates of obesity and diabetes and resultant poor cardiovascular and renal health.

-Poverty is also linked to social exclusion, low social cohesion and increased crime.

-Physicians interested in serving Aboriginal populations need to be better prepared; not only should they be clinically competent, but also culturally sensitive and politically aware of the variety of issues that impact on the health of Canada's Aboriginal people.

-Access to clean drinking water is tenuous in many municipalities and in Indigenous communities.

-In Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care stated 149 boil water advisories were in place in January 2015.

-As of January 2015, there were 169 DWAs in 126 First Nation communities. Ontario has the highest number of DWAs for Indigenous communities (79), followed by British Columbia (35), Saskatchewan (24), Alberta (17), the Atlantic (7) and Quebec (2).

-Most DWAs in Indigenous communities are boil water advisories.

-The number of people affected by each DWA ranges from 0 to 5,000, yet for many communitiesthe number of people affected is marked “unknown” on the Health Canada website.

-Example, Shoal Lake First Nation... had its boil water advisory which has been in place for more than 17 years.

-In June 2014, Health Canada began posting the names of First Nations communities that were under DWAs. However, they do not provide reasons for the DWAs. An access to information request from January 2011 listed various reasons for the DWAs including: “unacceptable microbiological quality, inadequate disinfection or disinfectant residuals, operation of system would compromise public health, significant deterioration in source water quality, unacceptable turbidity [cloudiness] or particle count and equipment malfunction during treatment or distribution.”

-There are routinely more than 100 water advisories in effect, with more than half of the advisories in place for between five to 15 years. These advisories in First Nations communities are "a black eye" for the Canadian government, pointing to the long-standing and systemic failure to provide clean, safe drinking water to Indigenous communities.

- suggestion?

 Establish national enforceable drinking water standards. Recognize water as a human right. Respect Indigenous water rights. Invest in water and wastewater infrastructure, particularly in First Nations communities

-The number of First Nations under drinking water advisories has grown by nearly 40 per cent since 2006

-The number of First Nations living under drinking water advisories grew to 131 in 2011 from 95 in 2006

-The number of communities under drinking water advisories grew nearly every year between2006 and 2011. Only 2007 saw a drop with 93 communities under advisories, according to numbers provided by Health Canada. The number of First Nations under advisories jumped to103 in 2008, 111 in 2009, 119 in 2010 and 131 in 2011.

-Early commentary by an education expert indicates that the funds allo cated to education are much lower than what is needed for “infrastructure to build more schools, to bring more resources and support to students in schools.” The education funding proposed in this Budget is lower than the $1.9 billion the Prime Minister pr omised for education in February 2014.

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- Health Canada department had not assessed whether each nursing station had the capacity to provide services, nor had it informed First Nations individuals what essential services were provided at the station.

- Nursing stations that are non-compliant with health and safety requirements or building codes can put patients and staff at risk and may limit access to health services.

- Testing nurses experience it was found that only 1 nurse in the sample of 45 had completed all five of the mandatory training courses we selected for examination.

- In one of the communities there were health and safety issu es found in the nursing station and in the residences used to accommodate visiting health care providers. The ventilation and air conditioning in both the nursing station and residences needed to be repaired. According to Health Canada officials, these deficiencies were causing heat-related symptoms for staff and patients. Furthermore, one of the residences had been unusable for more than two years becausethe septic system had not been repaired. Consequently, health specialists cancelled their visits to the community.- In many regions, First Nations individuals struggle with the medical transportation services, and sometimes are denied access.

-Access to clean drinking water is tenuous in many municipalities and in Indigenous communities.

-In Ontario, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care stated 149 boil water advisories were in place in January 2015.

-as of January 2015, there were 169 DWAs in 126 First Nation communities. Ontario has the highest number of DWAs for Indigenous communities (79), followed by British Columbia (35), Saskatchewan (24), Alberta (17), the Atlantic (7) and Quebec (2).

-most DWAs in Indigenous communities are boil water advisories.

-The number of people affected by each DWA ranges from 0 to 5,000, yet for many communitiesthe number of people affected is marked “unknown” on the Health Canada website.

-example, Shoal Lake First Nation... had its boil water advisory which has been in place for more than 17 years.

-In June 2014, Health Canada began posting the names of First Nations communities that were under DWAs. However, they do not provide reasons for the DWAs. An access to information request from January 2011 listed various reasons for the DWAs including: “unacceptable microbiological quality, inadequate disinfection or disinfectant residuals, operation of system would compromise public health, significant deterioration in source water quality, unacceptable turbidity [cloudiness] or particle count and equipment malfunction during treatment or distribution.”-There are routinely more than 100 water advisories in effect, with more than half of the advisories in place for between five to 15 years. These advisories in First Nations communities are "a black eye" for the Canadian government, pointing to the long-standing and systemic failure to provide clean, safe drinking water to Indigenous communities.Some of our suggestions can be:

 Establish national enforceable drinking water standards. Recognize water as a human right. Respect Indigenous water rights. Invest in water and wastewater infrastructure, particularly in First Nations communities

-The number of First Nations under drinking water advisories has grown by nearly 40 per cent since 2006

-The number of First Nations living under drinking water advisories grew to 131 in 2011 from 95 in 2006

-The number of communities under drinking water advisories grew nearly every year between2006 and 2011. Only 2007 saw a drop with 93 communities under advisories, according to numbers provided by Health Canada. The number of First Nations under advisories jumped to103 in 2008, 111 in 2009, 119 in 2010 and 131 in 2011.

Assembly of First Nations Releases Assessment of Federal Party Election Platforms

(Ottawa, ON) – Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Perry Bellegarde today released the AFN’s assessment of federal party platforms as they relate to First Nation priorities, urging First Nation citizens to make an informed decision October 19.

“We want to ensure First Nations across Canada get all the facts before voting, to ensure they have the proper information to make an informed decision,” said AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde. “The Indigenous vote has the potential to influence 51 ridings and in this election every vote counts. It’s up to every single one of us to make an informed decision at the ballot box.”

The AFN presented Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada in early September. The document sets out specific action items across six broad themes: Strengthening First Nations, Families and Communities; Sharing and Equitable Funding; Upholding Rights; Respecting the Environment; Revitalizing Indigenous Languages; and Truth and Reconciliation. Each federal party was asked for a formal response to the priorities and to date the AFN has received responses from the Liberals, New Democrats and Greens.

The assessment of the party platforms is available at: http://www.afn.ca/uploads/files/summary ... ns_fe2.pdf It compiles commitments made by each party during the campaign period and assesses whether they fulfil the AFN priorities and action plan set out in Closing the Gap.

“I will work with whoever is elected October 19 to close the gap in quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians. It’s up to First Nations and all Canadians to decide who that will be,” said National Chief Bellegarde. “More and more people are realizing that our people matter, our priorities matter and our votes matter. The human and economic costs to maintaining the gap that exists between our peoples and the rest of Canada are harmful to all of us. First Nation priorities must be Canada’s priorities because when First Nations succeed we all succeed. We can and must work together to close the gap.”

Last week the AFN convened an open forum which gathered hundreds of First Nation leaders and citizens to discuss priorities, inform voters and mobilize the vote. New Democratic Party Leader Tom Mulcair and representatives from the Liberal Party of Canada and the Green Party addressed participants. In July NDP Leader Tom Mulcair, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May addressed Chiefs and delegates at AFN’s Annual General Assembly in Montreal.

AFN National Chief Perry Bellegarde announced September 9 he will cast a ballot in the 2015 federal election, marking the first time ever he will vote in a federal election. National Chief Bellegarde is encouraging all eligible First Nations people to vote and is setting an example to reinforce the message that First Nations priorities must be Canada’s priorities and that everyone must work to close the gap in the quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians.

The AFN released Closing the Gap: 2015 Federal Election Priorities for First Nations and Canada early September and asked each federal party for a formal response. To date the AFN has received responses from the Liberals, New Democrats and Greens. On October 15, the AFN released an assessment of all federal party platforms and commitments available now at www.afn.ca.

Aboriginal voters have the potential to influence 51 ridings in the federal election.

For more information on First Nation priorities and Closing the Gap in quality of life between First Nations people and Canadians please visit www.afn.ca.

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada. Follow AFN on Twitter @AFN_Comms, @AFN_Updates.

First Nations Summit looks to new federal Liberal Government to implement key Aboriginal commitments

Coast Salish Traditional Territory (Vancouver) – Leaders of the First Nations Summit (FNS) congratulate Prime Minister-Elect Justin Trudeau and the members of the Liberal majority government following yesterday’s federal election.

“We encourage Prime Minister-Elect Trudeau and his majority government to work with Aboriginal communities and citizens across Canada to ensure our issues are given the top priority they deserve within the new Liberal government’s agenda”, said Grand Chief Edward John, of the FNS Political Executive.

“Prime Minister-Elect Trudeau has created very high expectations with a platform based on change and his commitments on key Aboriginal issues during the campaign. Now the real work will begin for his government to come to the table and work with First Nations to implement those commitments in an effort to close the socio-economic gaps faced by our communities and citizens”, added Cheryl Casimer of the FNS Political Executive.

“We will now look to the Liberal government to stand up and honour its fiduciary obligations and commitments to uphold Aboriginal and Treaty Rights in Canada and to make the resolution of fair and equitable treaty agreements in BC a top priority”, concluded Robert Phillips, also of the FNS political executive.

Key Liberal commitments that FNS leaders expect the new Trudeau government to act on as soon as possible include;

a) Undertake a full review of regulatory law, policies, and operational practices, in full partnership and consultation with First Nations to ensure that the Crown is fully executing its consultation, accommodation, and consent obligations, including on resource development and energy infrastructure project reviews and assessments, in accordance with constitutional and international human rights obligations;

b) Work in partnership with First Nations, to implement all 94 recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, starting with the implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples;

c) Immediately launch a national public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Canada;

d) Work with First Nations to renew and revive the Paul Martin Liberal government's $5 billion Kelowna Accord

e) Establish a Federal Reconciliation Framework, created in full partnership with First Nations, which will include mechanisms to advance and strengthen self-government, as well as resolve grievances with Treaty implementation and modern land-claims agreements;

f) Conduct a full review of the legislation unilaterally imposed on First Nations by the federal government, and reverse measures in conflict with Aboriginal and Treaty rights, or that are inconsistent with good governance;

The FNS looks forward to Prime Minister-Elect Trudeau naming his Cabinet in the coming weeks and will be requesting early meetings with him and his Cabinet to discuss the new federal Aboriginal agenda.

The FNS also sends congratulations to former BCAFN Regional Chief Puglaas, Jody Wilson Raybould on being the first Aboriginal women from BC to be elected as a Member of Parliament following her election in the riding of Vancouver-Granville. The FNS looks forward to working with her in her new capacity as a member of the new Liberal government.

Finally, the FNS is pleased that following a concerted effort by First Nations leaders across the country, the Aboriginal vote was instrumental in deciding many ridings across the country.

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The First Nations Summit speaks on behalf of First Nations involved in treaty negotiations in British Columbia. The Summit is also a NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Further background information on the Summit may be found at www.fns.bc.ca.